New upates from the team via Text Messages ...

This is Julie again...

Sorry it has taken me a few days to update the blog. My computer has been down and I have been out of town for a few days. :)

Jason sent me a text message on Wednesday to let me know that they were still unable to have internet. He also said that there was no electricity in the part of the orphange where they were sleeping, so the conditions were a little rough.

He said that they would be taking an hour and a half boat ride on Thursday to an island on Lake Victoria that was populated with 1,000 people to do an HIV testing clinic. Apparently the boat was unlike any he had ever ridden in as he referred to it a "rickety old boat." He said they would be with a team from Youth With A Mission. Branton Thompson and Madonna Gee were doing the testing on the patients and Jason and Shellie Kindy were reading the results. Out of the 40 that were tested for HIV, 15 tested positive. The team ended up sleeping on the island that night. Jason said the team was so incredibly flexible as that was not part of the "plan." He requested that we pray for safety.

Jason texted me yesterday (Friday) to say this this had been the toughest day so far for the team. He said that the HIV testing was emotionally exhausting and that the team is very tired. He said they have a very busy schedule today and will be at the orphanage all day on Sunday. Jason will also be preaching on Sunday morning and I know he would covet your prayers that he would be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and that he would speak exactly what the Lord would have him say.

Jason texted again on Friday and specifically requested we pray against the fiery arrows and distractions that the team was facing.

Monday and Tuesday the team will spend their day building a mud hut for a local widow there in Jinja.

Jason said that several of the students have used his phone to text their family members. Hopefully, if you are a parent and have text messaging, your child has let you know that they are okay. While some parts of this mission have been difficult for the team, Jason has also said that he has seen some real growth and that some things they have experienced are "crazy cool." He also said he has a ton of stuff he can't wait to share when he returns home.

I know that Jason and Tony are continuing to try to get the internet fixed at the orphanage and when they finally do, I know Jason will immediately update this blog to be able to share the experiences of the team. I wish I could give you all more info on your individual family members, but as you know, you can only get so much information through a text message.

Please continue to PRAY for rest, encouragement, good health, and safety.